Institute of Sports Science

Protective factors for mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic represents a challenge and burden for a large part of the population. Empirical evidence suggests negative consequences of quarantine and social distancing measures on mental health such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. In this study, we want to investigate how social distancing measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic affect mental health in Germany. We further want to investigate specific protective factors such as social support and physical activity in order to generate a scientific basis for targeted psychosocial interventions.

Selected Publications

Journal articles

  • Seiffer, B., Rösel, I., Welkerling, J., Schuch, F. B., Sudeck, G., & Wolf, S. (2024). The association of changes in leisure-time physical activity on depressive symptoms during Covid-19 in German adults: a longitudinal study. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 70, 102562,  doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102562
  • Rösel, I., Bauer, L. L., Seiffer, B., Deinhart, C., Atrott, B., Sudeck, G., Hautzinger, M. & Wolf, S. (2022). The effect of exercise and affect regulation skills on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey. Psychiatry Research, 312, 114559. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114559